Long-time Concordia supporter Emilio Imbriglio launches new $300,000 scholarship
“It’s a family endowment because family is incredibly important to me. I hope this scholarship encourages students to pursue excellence in their studies and make an impact in their communities.”
A major gift to Concordia from Emilio Imbriglio, BComm 81, GrDip 82, will expand opportunities for future leaders in business and technology at the university.
A two-time graduate and long-time Concordia volunteer, lecturer and mentor, Imbriglio has created the Emilio B. Imbriglio Family Endowment to fund entrance scholarships for undergraduate students in accounting, finance and software engineering as well as MBA students at the John Molson School of Business.
The fund has been established with commitments totaling $300,000 to support scholarships in perpetuity. The endowment is made possible through the generosity of several donors, including Emilio Imbriglio, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton — where Imbriglio served as President and Chief Executive Officer for nine years — Equisoft Inc., where he currently serves as Chairman of the Board, Laurentien Électrique and Michael Di Grappa, BA 84, vice-president of Services and Sustainability at Concordia.
“I’ve been thinking about this for the better part of the last 15 years and waiting for the right moment,” says Imbriglio. “It’s a family endowment because family is incredibly important to me. Concordia gave me opportunities that shaped my life and I hope this scholarship encourages students to pursue excellence in their studies and make an impact in their communities.”
Imbriglio has remained closely connected to Concordia since earning his degrees, serving for years as an adjunct professor at the John Molson School while mentoring students across undergraduate and graduate programs. His career includes nearly two decades teaching accounting and advising future professionals along with leadership roles in the business community. Most recently, he accepted the honour of becoming the inaugural executive fellow at the John Molson School, where he serves as a mentor and strategic advisor to senior leadership.
In recognition of his community service, leadership and service to his alma mater, the Concordia University Alumni Association honoured Imbriglio with the Humberto Santos Award of Merit in 2016. He is also the recipient of the Beta Gamma Sigma international business award, given by the top five per cent of business schools from around the world in recognition of lifetime achievements.
‘An investment in the next generation’
“Philanthropy plays a vital role in creating and expanding opportunities for our students,” says Concordia President Graham Carr. “This gift reflects Emilio’s deep commitment to an institution that believed in his potential as a student — and will empower talented students to thrive academically while encouraging the well-rounded development that defines the Concordia experience.”
The Imbriglio Family scholarships will recognize newly admitted full-time students who combine strong academic achievement with community involvement, volunteering or participation in athletics. Awards will be renewable once and available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering undergraduate programs or the John Molson MBA program.
“This generous gift celebrates a proud alumnus and dedicated teacher and mentor whose decades of contributions have strengthened our community,” adds Anne-Marie Croteau, dean of the John Molson School. “By supporting students at both the undergraduate and MBA levels, this endowment will help cultivate future leaders in accounting, finance, technology and business.”
The endowment’s annual payout will first fund an undergraduate scholarship, then expand to support an MBA scholarship as the fund grows, ultimately dividing awards between both programs while preserving the fund’s capital.
“This is about creating a positive future,” Imbriglio says. “I believe in Concordia’s leadership and in its students. Supporting them is an investment in the next generation.”